Historic Dudley Mansion's sale price is $1.25 million

Friday

Jun 28, 2013 at 3:54 PM

The bank-owned home at 400 S. Front St. last sold in August 2012 for $3.234 million and is appraised at $1.185 million

By Wayne FaulknerWayne.Faulkner@StarNewsOnline.com

Wilmington's historic Dudley Mansion is up for sale with an asking price of $1.25 million.The bank-owned home at 400 S. Front St. last sold in August 2012 for $3.234 million and is appraised at $1.185 million, according to New Hanover County tax records.The mansion, which was built in 1825 and takes its name from the state's first elected governor, has a long tradition as a party place. In the late 1800s, residents Pembroke and Sarah Jones, the family who created Airlie Gardens, held lavish parties, which according to local lore, helped give rise to the famous phrase, "Keeping up with the Joneses." The house is protected under state and local historic status and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ron and Cynthia Pickett bought the mansion in 2005 and did an extensive renovation and restoration.However, when the Picketts started using the property for weddings, they ran into controversy.The city of Wilmington settled a lawsuit against the Picketts in late 2010. The city filed for an injunction to stop weddings at the mansion in April 2010, arguing the events were in violation of city code. The mansion, with views of the Cape Fear River, has three main living floors comprising 10,000 square feet with five bedrooms, three baths and three half-baths, according to listing information. It also has nine fireplaces, formal dining and living rooms, a sunroom, wet bar, library, smoking room, theater, game room and office.The basement contains 3,700 square feet of living space with two separate apartments, three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two kitchens. Outside is a 100-year-old brick wall and cast iron gating, a two-car garage and fountain.It is listed by Jessica Riffle Edwards of Coldwell Banker Seat Coast Advantage real estate.The mansion was originally the home of Edward Bishop Dudley (1789-1855), a Wilmington businessman and politician. Dudley was the first popularly elected governor of North Carolina (previously, governors had been chosen by the legislature) and the first president of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, a precursor to the Atlantic Coast Line.Cotton broker James Sprunt, who also owned Orton Plantation, acquired the property in 1895, added the second floor to the wings and made substantial renovations.For many years, the mansion was the Wilmington Elks lodge. Later it served as headquarters for the Historic Wilmington Foundation.